Literacy in the Digital Age: An Assessment of Building Critical Skills in Children
Chapter from the book: Koç, Ç. T. (ed.) 2025. YouTube and Children from a Critical Perspective.

Emel Dursun
Kayseri University

Synopsis

It is crucial to raise awareness among digital natives, who were born into a world of technological concepts such as the internet, video games, social networks, and YouTube, so that they can benefit from developing technology while also protecting themselves from its risks. At this point, both parents and teachers need to develop themselves in terms of the conscious/safe use of technology and guide children. The new generation born into the digital age must act as critical, conscious, moral, ethical, and responsible individuals in order to benefit from today's technology to the fullest extent. This section focuses on the necessity of equipping children with the aforementioned qualities. In this context, the concept and importance of Digital Literacy are discussed, along with its development process and curriculum implications in Turkey. Subsequently, the reasons why digital literacy is particularly necessary for children are explained. Here, it is emphasized that educators must not only equip children with critical, moral, and ethical skills but also be competent in adapting to current developments and using digital tools in their lessons. The contributions that applications and antivirus programs offering parents control options can make in terms of content monitoring to ensure safe internet use under parental guidance have been emphasized. Consequently, it has been underscored that this process can only be beneficial within the framework of cooperation between children, families, and educators.

How to cite this book

Dursun, E. (2025). Literacy in the Digital Age: An Assessment of Building Critical Skills in Children. In: Koç, Ç. T. (ed.), YouTube and Children from a Critical Perspective. Özgür Publications. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58830/ozgur.pub915.c3810

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Published

November 12, 2025

DOI